James Bradley Turner

James Bradley Turner of Dumfries, VA, passed away suddenly on August 7, 2025. Known for his generosity, humor, and unwavering dedication to service, he was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on February 7, 1959, the son of Shirley Goodrich and James Turner.

Jim, as most knew him, is survived and missed by his loving wife Mary (née Gould); his children, Jamie (Gavin) Henthorn, Chris (Joyce) Turner, and Amanda Turner; and grandchildren Dorian, Annamarie, Leah, Shawn, and Ryan. He will be cherished and remembered by his siblings and their families, Elizabeth, Jon & Cheryl, Joel & Kerri; his mother, Shirley; and his many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Turner, his stepmother, Marion Turner, and his niece, Erika Turner.

To say he had a servant's heart is an understatement. Jim served his country in the US Navy for 20 years, where he earned the moniker "Hooch." Much of that time was spent in medical service with both sailors and marines. His stations included Camp Lejeune, Quantico, and Bethesda Naval Hospital. A veteran of Desert Storm, he retired as a Chief Petty Officer in 2002. After retirement, he settled into a civilian position as a project manager for the US Army.

He was active in the United Methodist Church, serving in multimedia production, governance, and ministries ranging from Emmaus to prison outreach. A notoriously poor singer, he supported worship in any other way he could. He was also an engaged member of his community, one example being his service on the Board of Zoning Administration of Dumfries, VA. He was the kind of person who would help with a move, give a ride to the airport, or build a deck, cracking jokes to elevate the mood the whole time.

Jim was a dedicated husband and father. While he and Mary both graduated in 1977 from Gateway Senior High School (Pittsburgh, PA), they first met on a blind date on Jan 9, 1980. They had dinner at Victoria Station, where Jim worked at the time, and then to the movies to see The Black Hole. Married on July 18, 1981, they lived in Pittsburgh until Jim joined the military.

After a station with OCS at Quantico, they decided to make Northern Virginia their home. They were married for 44 years, raised three children, never went to bed angry, and enjoyed traveling the United States, particularly with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA).

While often away for his career, his children remember him most for his presence. Full of energy, he often took his two oldest on hikes when they were young, bringing along whatever friends they seemed to pick up along the way. When his oldest struggled to find confidence in driving, he took her to the tank range on Quantico to practice; there was nothing she could hurt out there. He was a scout leader in his son's troops, spending weekends out in nature or selling popcorn. He did Taekwondo with his youngest for years. He was deeply enthusiastic about his children's interests, and anyone who met him heard him gush about them.

This attention extended to his grandchildren. Each summer, all the grandchildren were invited to go camping on his site at Wilderness Resort. He was a daily presence in the lives of those that lived in town, and he made special time for those living further away.

Jim loved riding motorcycles. He owned several bikes, but was easily identifiable on his radioactive green Harley Davidson. Robert Pirsig's words in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance captured how he felt on the road, "On a cycle the frame is gone. You're completely in contact with it all. You're in the scene, not just watching it anymore, and the sense of presence is overwhelming."

Reflecting his love of riding and generous spirit, the members of CVMA were his second family. Serving as secretary and chaplain of his local chapter, he dedicated his time going on rides, placing wreaths at Arlington and Quantico National Cemetery, and helping raise money to support vets.

Jim's giving soul and good humor will be missed greatly. He was 66 at the time of his passing, and his family and community will grieve that lost time for years to come.

A viewing and service will be held on Tuesday, August 19, from 2 to 5 pm at Mountcastle Turch Funeral Home at 4143 Dale Blvd., Dale City, VA 22193.

Memorials may be given to CVMA Virginia Chapter 27-8 in memory of Jim "Hooch" Turner.